According to vocalist and lyricist Davey Havok, this is one of his favorite songs off the record. He claims that the melody came to him quickly and that overall the song reminds him of the music of the early to mid 1980’s, citing artists such as Nina Hagen, Josie Cotton, Naked Raygun, and Husker Du...
[Verse 1]
There's an open sky and an empty city
Where the rain falls every night
Upon precious flames we once found so pretty
Our frail and only light
Love is all that's left and I'm emotionless
[Chorus]
You won't read it in the papers
In this time, keep your hands clean, just read my mind
We're trapped between the nightmares
And I fear the future's here
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
[Verse 2]
Oh, the emptiness overfills this city
So you'll be queen tonight
As you overthrow, looking pale and pretty
I welcome your requite
They told us love can save
So we prepared our graves
[Chorus]
You won't read it in the papers
In this time, keep your hands clean, just read my mind
We're trapped between the nightmares
And I fear the future's here
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
Can you read my mind?
[Bridge]
Will you hold my hand as we count the hours… the hours
Will you hold my hand as we count down the hours… the hours
Standing beneath the meteor showers?
[Chorus]
You won't read it in the papers
In this time, keep your hands clean, just read my mind
We're trapped between the nightmares
And I fear the future's here
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
It's 1985 (and it feels like, feels like survival)
Can you read my mind?
Greater Than 84 was written by Jade Puget & Davey Havok.
Greater Than 84 was produced by Gil Norton.
AFI released Greater Than 84 on Tue Oct 22 2013.